Chaplin, a restricted free agent, was able to join Richmond, when his original league club Port Adelaide opted not to match the offer made to him by the Tigers earlier this week.
“It’s very exciting to add a bit more experience to our backline,” Rance said on the ‘Tiger Trade Central Panel Show’.
“I wouldn’t have thought it would change too many roles, but it’s an added bonus . . . it will give us that option of playing the bigger-bodied player (on certain opponents).”
Rance believes Chaplin has attributes that will be of significant benefit to the Tiger defence in season 2013 and beyond . . .
“His awareness is a feature of his game,” Rance said.
“He’s a great interceptor and can use the ball pretty well. The big body (195cm and 100kg) will help, too, if we need a change-up, or some match-ups.
“The experience and awareness are going to be two massive things that are going to help us.”
Rance, who turns 23 next Tuesday (October 9), finished sixth in Richmond’s Jack Dyer Medal this year, after an equal-sixth placing in 2011.
